From Kirsten

Fred,

In my eyes, you are the greatest human being on the face of the earth. You are my greatest and truest friend. You have a gift of helping others have the confidence to be brave, be themselves, laugh and see the beauty in everything around them. The lens in which you view life is contagious and makes others want to be around you all the time. 

I learn from you everyday and you are the smartest person I know. The kids will often ask me questions about science, history, physics, math... that I don't know the answer to. I don't know why they keep asking me when most of the time I don't have answers for them. But I always say, "Dad would probably know, ask him" and almost every time, you know the answer. Or on the rare occasion you don't, you invite the kids to learn with you. You're such a dynamic, interesting person who seems to know so much. After all, you are very superior. 

And your very superior brain has been able to financially support a family of 6 and continue to move up in the corporate world. Not a lot of people can do what you have done. We've been able to take trips, go on vacations, buy cars, buy a house, enjoy meals out, give our kids experiences we've never had, all because of you. As you enter this birthday milestone, I know and see the load you carry everyday. You have 5 people who depend on you for so much, a job that is demanding and tiring as well as trying to push through and navigate health issues that have been very debilitating. Words fail me when I try to convey how much I appreciate and admire you and all the roles, loads and responsibilities you carry. Your sacrifices don't go unnoticed.

One thing I have always loved and admired is your relationship with spirituality. You have taught me that being yourself is enough when it comes to God's love and loving yourself. You don't have to pretend to be some one else, fit into a box or mold or be someone you're not in order to fit the bill of what people think a religious or spiritual person should be. You are someone who truly emulates love and practices what they preach. You have changed my life in more ways I could express.

In the 15 years we've been married, I have countless memories I could look back on and say were my favorites. So many trips, experiences, snuggles, walks, hikes, dates, family movie nights, family game nights etc that I can recall. However, some of the best memories of our years together thus far have been the births of our babies. Each time my love grew more for you than I thought possible. The love felt every time is indescribable. Each time you proved once again that not only were you the right person for me but the amazing father I knew you would be to our children. One particular moment I vividly remember was when I cried in the shower before heading to the hospital, so scared of being cut open once again. You just held me and told me how much you loved and appreciated me and you would be there every step of the way. I had and have nothing to fear with you by my side. With your help, support and love, I really feel like I can do anything.

Another one of my most favorite moments is the morning after I had given birth to Macie. I knew we were done having children and was knowingly treasuring each moment since her birth. The morning after, I woke up to you with tear filled eyes looking at our daughter. There was such a reverence in the room and the love felt was so palpable. In that moment, I knew that from then on, with our 4 children, we were now whole and complete and felt so blessed.

As we move on from the child bearing years, we continue to watch our children grow and learn. We're learning what this second phase of life is like together and that's exciting, isn't it? I know our grandchildren will love and admire you just as much as the kids and I do. 

I really do feel honored to be your wife. It's such a privilege and exciting experience to live life with you. Thank you for being my husband and my best friend. Happy 40th Birthday. HUN-YES!

I love you.

Kirsten